In the GTI International 2011 0 to 60mph sprint, Unit 20’s best run in the RS4 came 0.09 of a second faster than MRC’s S4. Both achieving very respectable 3.3 and 3.4 second 0-60 times and going on to hit a 1/4 mile in about 11.7 seconds. Well done guys.
The full list of times is available here http://www.theresults.co.uk/gti_international_results.html
A larger-than-life 503PS version of the smallest Audi to date makes its debut this week at Austria’s 30th annual Wörtherseetour meeting for fans of VW Group models. The one-off A1 clubsport quattro uses a heavily modified version of the RS 3 Sportback’s turbocharged five-cylinder petrol engine to deliver electrifying performance which is headlined by figures including 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds and 0-124mph in just 10.9 seconds.
The heart of the Audi A1 clubsport quattro is a classic Audi petrol engine – a five-cylinder unit displacing 2.5 litres with turbocharging and direct fuel injection. Compared with the version used in the Audi TT RS and RS 3 Sportback on which it is based, the output of the TFSI has been increased dramatically to 503PS and 660 Nm of torque. Maximum power is available between 2,500 and 5,300 rpm.
The turbocharger, intercooler, induction tract and the exhaust line have been systematically tuned for high performance. As on the Audi A4 DTM, the tailpipe is located on the left flank, just in front of the rear wheel.
Another area where the A1 clubsport quattro shines is in its overall weight of just 1,390 kilograms. This helps it to catapult from 0 to 62mph in 3.7 seconds, and from 0 to 124mph in just 10.9 seconds. The 50-70mph overtaking surge can be dispatched in fourth gear in just 2.4 seconds.
A six-speed manual transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive, both taken from the TT RS and enhanced, deliver the power to all four wheels. Top speed is governed at 155mph.
The Audi showcar rolls on 255/30 low-profile tyres mounted on 19-inch alloy wheels with a unique turbine design. Sitting behind the wheels are large, internally ventilated disc brakes. Up front, six-piston callipers grab perforated carbon fibre-ceramic discs. Large steel discs are mounted on the rear axle. The coilover suspension of the A1 clubsport quattro features adjustable compression and rebound damping.
Dynamic and brawny: the exterior
Visually, the exquisitely finished show car makes no secret of its potential. The body has a Glacier White matte paint finish, with accents provided by many add-on parts. The roof arch in high-gloss black supports a roof made of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP), and the four rings at the front of the car are solid aluminium.
Large, split air intakes with carbon struts are integrated into the distinctively modified front skirt. The single-frame radiator grille sports a black honeycomb design, and the headlights feature matted clasps with a red “wing.” Heat from the engine compartment is dissipated via two large air outlets in the bonnet.
The front wings, the doors and the rear side panels of the Audi A1 clubsport quattro have been widened by a total of 60 millimetres. They form horizontal “blister” edges, like those found on the Audi Ur-quattro. Air outlets are integrated into the rear ends of the wings, and the newly designed trim strips on the sills are made of exposed CFRP. Sleek side mirrors are reminiscent of the Audi R8 high-performance sports car.
The rear of the showcar is dominated by the roof spoiler, which features a double wing to provide for sufficient downforce. Darkly toned rear lights and a large, closed diffuser hone the rear view of the A1 clubsport quattro.
Designed as a road vehicle for the race track, the showcar has no rear seat. In its place are a large crossbar to further stiffen the body and storage for racing helmets. A weight-optimized starter battery used in racing is mounted in the rear below the two storage compartments. The strict high-performance concept left no room for an infotainment system, an MMI monitor or even a loudspeaker. The lightweight bucket seats are taken from the Audi R8 GT and feature a chassis made of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer. Red four-point belts secure the driver and passenger.
The interior of the showcar is a study in dark grey. Large areas are covered with exposed, matte-finished CFRP, including the walls in the rear section of the car, the tubes of the air vents and the “stern of the yacht” in the lower section of the centre console. The CFRP material used on the open-spoked sport steering wheel is covered with leather. Rocker switches on the centre console replace switches on the control stalk and in the door panels. Three additional instruments indicate the oil pressure, boost pressure and electrical system voltage.
The centre console and the seats are covered in fine leather upholstery with tone-on-tone stitching. The selector lever is made of aluminium; the caps of the pedals and the surface of the footrest are made of stainless steel. Red loops replace the handles on the doors, the glove box and the covers of the storage compartments.
Experience the Audi A1 clubsport quattro interactively
The Audi A1 clubsport quattro can also be experienced exclusively in Need for Speed ??World (http://world.needforspeed.com), where it will be available to all players as a free in-game rental car from June 1 – 4. Need for Speed ?World is the Play4Free online PC racing game from EA, in which players take part in races in a giant multiplayer world.
After Hockenheim win, Timo Scheider clinches first DTM title . . . Mattias Ekström secured third place overall . . . DTM title crowns AUDI AG’s most successful motorsport year
Ingolstadt/Hockenheim – The most extensive motorsport programme in the history of AUDI AG is now the most successful one as well: following the triumph at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the title wins at the Le Mans series in North America and Europe, Timo Scheider with a victory at the finale at Hockenheim also secured the title in the DTM. This means that, for the first time since 1990/1991, Audi successfully defended the title in the most popular international touring car racing series. In addition, with eight pole positions and six victories, the new Audi A4 DTM in its debut year was the most successful car of the season and superior to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
“Sincere congratulations to Timo Scheider and the entire Audi squad. With his strong performance, his consistency and his strong nerves, Timo is a worthy champion, who thrilled the fans this season,” said Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, who watched the gripping finale at Hockenheim from the garage of Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline.
“This triumph in the DTM crowns what has been a successful motorsport year for Audi anyhow, in which – in addition to victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans – we were able to celebrate the titles in the American Le Mans Series and the European-based Le Mans Series. During the course of the year and particularly here at Hockenheim, Timo and Paul di Resta delivered thrilling, top-calibre motorsport.
This makes us all the happier about our triumph in front of this impressive turnout at the finale. The Audi A4 was unbeatable during this DTM season and led the standings from the first to the last race. We’re already looking forward to the opportunity of defending the title in the next season.”
In front of a record crowd of 165,000 spectators Timo Scheider held up to the pressure of his rival Paul di Resta. With an absolutely flawless drive he impressively clinched the first DTM title in his career. With a perfect start Timo Scheider already decided the duel against Paul di Resta in his favour. The Audi driver overtook his rival for the title and afterwards managed to keep him at bay, although Scheider had to do with one set of fresh tyres less in the race than di Resta.
Pit stops – performed as quickly as usual – and a perfect strategy enabled Scheider to drive freely throughout the race and, in the end, cross the finish line as the cheerfully celebrated victor and new DTM Champion with a 3.062-second lead.
But the squad of Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline performed a major feat across the board. After Scheider had very heavily hit a kerb with the base plate of the engine in Saturday’s qualifying, causing his GW:plus/Top Service Audi A4 DTM to jump five metres, the mechanics completely dismantled the car and also changed the engine for safety reasons – which is permitted in the DTM once per year without any penalty – and completely re-assembled the car by working into the early morning hours. At 3:45 a.m. the A4 was back on its wheels. Less than twelve hours later, Scheider clinched the champion’s title in it.
The second-best Audi driver at Hockenheim was Tom Kristensen, who made an impressive recovery from seventh to fifth place and, in the final phase, even caught the three Mercedes cars of Paul di Resta, Jamie Green and Bruno Spengler who were running in front of him.
With seventh place in the race, last year’s champion Mattias Ekström secured third place in the overall classification. The Swede, who had started from pole position, gave way to his team-mate Timo Scheider straight after the start and on the first lap dropped to fourth place due to a tussle with Paul di Resta and Jamie Green. Later, a stop-and-go penalty was imposed against the Swede because his Red Bull Audi A4 DTM was not standing precisely on its grid position.
With Martin Tomczyk finishing eighth, all four drivers of Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline scored points at the finale.
As in qualifying, Mike Rockenfeller, who finished ninth, was the best driver of a car from last year. Oliver Jarvis and Alexandre Prémat occupied places ten and 13. Markus Winkelhock and Christijan Albers on the second lap became the victims of a failed attack by Mercedes driver Mathias Lauda. Katherine Legge damaged her A4 in a collision with Susie Stoddart.
The results at Hockenheim
1 Timo Scheider (GW:plus/Top Service Audi A4 DTM) 37 laps in 59m 01.290s
2 Paul di Resta (Mercedes) + 3.062s
3 Jamie Green (Mercedes) + 3.549s
4 Bruno Spengler (Mercedes) + 4.293s
5 Tom Kristensen (Audi A4 DTM) + 4.734s
6 Bernd Schneider (Mercedes) + 15.300s
7 Mattias Ekström (Red Bull Audi A4 DTM) + 19.839s
8 Martin Tomczyk (Red Bull Audi A4 DTM) + 20.635s
9 Mike Rockenfeller (S line Audi A4 DTM) + 37.154s
10 Oliver Jarvis (Best Buddies Audi A4 DTM) + 44.263s
11 Gary Paffett (Mercedes) + 54.135s
12 Maro Engel (Mercedes) + 54.542s
13 Alexandre Prémat (Audi Bank Audi A4 DTM) + 1m 04.597s
14 Ralf Schumacher (Mercedes) + 1m 05.432s
Not classified:
Katherine Legge (Audi A4 DTM) – 11 laps (accident)
Mathias Lauda (Mercedes) – 35 laps
Markus Winkelhock (Playboy Audi A4 DTM) – 35 laps (accident)
Susie Stoddart (Mercedes) – 35 laps
Christijan Albers (Audi A4 DTM) – 35 laps (accident)
Compact five-door model with hybrid drive shows another possible direction for forthcoming production A1
The 2008 Paris Motor Show will play host to a new variation on the theme of a more compact Audi – the five-door A1 Sportback concept study – which combines cutting-edge styling with optimum economy of space, supreme quality and a series of visionary technical solutions that help to reduce CO2 emissions to just 92 g/km. The 3.99-metre long and 1.75-metre wide study furthers the many advances made by the three-door A1 project quattro show car which debuted in Tokyo in 2007.
A new version of the innovative hybrid technology employed in the A1 project quattro provides power for the A1 Sportback concept. Under the bonnet is a transversely mounted 1.4-litre TFSI engine developing 150PS and 240Nm, and directing this to the front wheels by means of the S tronic dual-clutch transmission. A 20 kW (27 hp) electric motor integrated in the drive train is able to deliver up to an additional 150 Nm of torque (110.63 lb-ft) when the vehicle is accelerating.
During the boosting phase, i.e. when the TFSI engine and electric motor operate simultaneously, the two power packs deliver impressive propulsion. The tried-and-tested front-wheel drive configuration – supplemented by the newly developed, ESP-controlled active front differential lock – ensures optimum power transfer to the road.
The electric motor is also capable of powering the vehicle unaided for zero-emission driving in residential areas, for instance. The capacity of the lithium-ion batteries gives the vehicle a range of up to 62.14 miles in pure electric mode; the motor can be recharged from any power socket. The automatic start/stop facility, energy regeneration and phases of purely electrical operation reduce the fuel consumption and emissions of the Audi A1 Sportback concept by almost 30 percent compared to when it is running on the combustion engine alone. Despite its strong performance, with acceleration of 0 to 62mph in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 124mph, the Audi A1 Sportback concept is nevertheless capable of returning up to 72.4mpg; CO2 emissions are an efficient 92 g/km.
Regenerative braking
Overrun, or the so-called regeneration phase, is one of the most important elements of this vehicle concept for optimizing efficiency as it transforms the braking energy released during deceleration phases back into electrical energy, instead of it being wasted and released as heat.
Power transmission to the front wheels is the task of the Audi S tronic dual-clutch gearbox. It allows the driver to change gear in fractions of a second without the use of a clutch pedal and with no interruption to the power flow. If required, the transmission performs the gear changes fully automatically, too. If the driver wishes to change gear manually, he or she can do so by using the shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel. Reverse gear and neutral are engaged via the gear knob on the centre console. The park position is automatically selected when the electric parking brake is engaged.
Advanced chassis with new active differential lock
The fundamental ingredient for outstanding driving safety and handling dynamics is supplied by the sophisticated chassis design, comprising McPherson front suspension and four-link independent rear suspension. Large 18-inch wheels with 225/35 R18 tyres boost both driving pleasure and safety. Thanks to the newly developed active, ESP-controlled front differential lock, propulsive torque is distributed according to the driving situation, thereby achieving enhanced steering precision and directional stability as well as improved traction and handling when cornering.
The braking system with its large-diameter discs (measuring 312 mm across at the front wheels) is more than a match for the drive power. Bred on the racetrack, the system promises outstanding, fade-free stopping power.
The electromechanical steering with speed-sensitive power assistance is also a boon for agile handling. The system boasts optimum steering feel combined with low sensitivity to road surface irregularities and a considerable reduction in energy consumption.
Audi magnetic ride
The shock absorbers cushioning the A1 Sportback concept deploy a highly innovative technology in the form of Audi magnetic ride, which has already made its mark in the Audi R8 high-performance sports car and in the TT. Here, the conventional shock absorber fluid is replaced by a magneto-rheological fluid whose qualities can be controlled by means of an electromagnetic field. This effect enables the damping characteristic to be influenced electronically by applying a voltage to the electromagnets, ensuring that the appropriate damping forces are available in any driving situation. A computer linked up to a system of sensors interprets the current driving situation with split-second speed, and offers selectable handling or comfort-biassed settings.
Audi drive select with efficiency mode
Dynamic ability and efficiency in the A1 Sportback concept are also enhanced by Audi drive select, which is currently available as an option in the A4, A5 and Q5 ranges. This enables the driver to pre-select one of two specially adapted configurations for the drivetrain, shift characteristics and magnetic ride shock absorbers.
The default setting is the “efficiency” mode. In this mode, the engine and transmission respond gently to use of the accelerator and shift paddles. This setting is ideal for a relaxed driving style, as well as offering tremendous potential for effectively lowering fuel consumption, and therefore emissions.
In the “efficiency” mode the Audi A1 Sportback concept can be used for distances of up to 62.14 miles in purely electric mode, and at speeds considerably in excess of 62.14mph thanks to the powerful battery. The combustion engine only cuts in again once battery capacity has dropped to below 20 percent of maximum.
In this mode, the electric motor is not deployed as a source of additional torque; instead it is run selectively as the sole power source to bring about a tangible reduction in consumption. For this purpose, the system makes use of a host of parameters which can be fed to it via the navigation system. In the “efficiency” mode, for example, with a fully charged battery and a distance of less than 31 miles the vehicle is operated in principle on purely electrical power.
Thanks to the navigation system’s ability to detect differences in altitude along the route, regeneration phases as well as the increase in energy requirements on inclines can be computed before the journey has even started. This makes vehicle operation even more efficient through optimum utilization of the electric motor.
The sport mode is designed to produce dynamic yet comfortable driving characteristics. In this mode, the vehicle’s electronics also harness the torque available from the electric motor to achieve optimum acceleration along with excellent lateral dynamics.
State-of-the-art lighting technology
Externally, the taut lines of the A1 Sportback concept’s futuristic body are emphasized by flared arches that pay homage to the Ur quattros of the 1980s, and to today’s RS 6. At the front, the design of the three-dimensional main headlights using innovative LED technology is especially eye-catching. All light functions – low beam and high-beam headlights, daytime running lights and turn indicators – have been located in one flat housing, in concentrically arranged, parallel and squared-off strips. The layout, with light segments of varying sizes – the low beam taking up most space – completely changes the “face” of the A1 Sportback concept.
The rear lights, too, continue this theme and combine the function of tail and brake lights, turn indicators, reversing and rear fog lights into an unmistakable design. The interplay of acute and obtuse angles and the clear and coloured glass areas create a particularly dynamic look. A large-dimensioned, transparent cover over the entire width of the vehicle additionally combines both light units and emphasizes the horizontal design of the rear.
In the contrasting white and red interior, with its four individual seats and a surprisingly generous amount of space, a curved, wrap-around section combines the doors and the sporty cockpit into one single unit, with the dashboard and centre console designed entirely around the driver. The centre console accommodates the integrated selector lever, only extended in drive select dynamic mode, the start/stop button for the engine, the switch for Audi drive select and the armrest with an integrated mobile phone pocket.
The apertures of the sporty seats with their integral head restraints are made from a transparent, mesh-like fabric which further accentuates the airiness of the design, and details such as the turbine-look air vents and air conditioning controls add interest with their aviation inspired design. The vents’ air flow direction and volume can be regulated simply and intuitively by turning or pressing the control button in the centre of the vent.
Audi mobile device – the second generation
Whereas the Audi A1 project quattro study featured its own mobile control unit for infotainment and vehicle systems, the A1 Sportback concept takes one step further into the future: the driver can use a commercially available mobile phone (equipped accordingly) as a car phone, address database, navigation system and audio/video player. At the same time it can be used as a control unit for numerous vehicle systems in the Audi A1 Sportback concept. Several phones that are suitable for these functions are already available from various manufacturers.
All that is required is some additional software, which Audi will provide on the internet for the driver to download and install. He or she can then enter a route plan or adjust the sound system to suit individual preferences, all from the comfort of home, for example. The mobile phone and vehicle communicate via a fast WLAN connection, even over considerable distances.
The system also offers the user a security function: within the range of the WLAN it can constantly monitor the current status of the vehicle, for instance whether all windows and doors are closed. The additional software offers numerous comfort and convenience features such as continued destination guidance on the mobile device after the vehicle has been left in a car park. A maximum parking time can be set via the device, and the navigation software will then lead the user back to the Audi A1 Sportback concept – taking the current distance from the vehicle into account – in good time to meet the parking deadline.
During the journey the mobile device demonstrates its strength as a portable media player. If the user listens to a song in a certain driving situation – on the motorway, for example – it is entered in an appropriate playlist. The software registers when and where the user prefers to listen to particular songs. The music is then available at the right moment.
Next generation MMI
The MMI control unit in the A1 Sportback concept study is a further development of the familiar design. In terms of feel it is easier to operate, particularly while driving. Grouped around the central rotary pushbutton are four fixed-function hardkeys for the Navigation, Telephone, Car and Media basic menus. Four additional, backlit softkeys have variable functions which change within the individual menus.
All system information appears in the central display in the instrument cluster. This is designed in its entirety as a digital, freely configurable display with no mechanical elements. Superimposed glass elements make the graphics stand out with a three-dimensional look, producing a level of depth which could never be attained using a standard display.
As well as the virtual, large circular dial of the analogue speedometer, which is always visible on the right-hand side of the instrument cluster, numerous other displays can be called up on request, and can be selected via control buttons on the steering wheel. These include infotainment, classic navigation by pictogram or map, a rev counter, information on how to drive as efficiently as possible and a current status report on the hybrid drive.
Organised by the French Audi Passion site the weekend of the 28th March saw an entourage of 10 RS4s and S4 and A3 tdi make there way to the world famous Le Mans Bugatti circuit. A beautiful setting in mid France with weather to match, our journey saw us pass through some breath taking sites and superb roads, stopping along the way to take in the local French cuisine and atmosphere.
Once at Le Mans meeting up with our international friends from many continents……
Our thanks go to AudiPassion.com especially Eric, Frederic, Stephan. From the outset this was a well organised trip and well attended too.
Our overnight rendezvous was the Ibis Hotel near the track, where spirited drinking and chat took place, an early start with breakfast and a parade of all the vehicles to the world famous track.
You can see more images from our trip in the RS246 Media Gallery.
Once on the track which had just been resurfaced for the oncoming season, it was soon made apparent this track it was very special indeed,very technical and demanding, personally i covered 113 miles on the track and would have done more if time allowed.
We all look forward to our return to this superb track of excellence in motorsport.
Thanks
John Roberts
RS246 Crew